Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times

At the west end is a vestibule, extending across the whole building, and occupying the space beneath the organ gallery and staircase.  This is separated from the church by a fine stone screen, consisting of a large pointed arch, flanked by square open buttresses, and ornamented above with a range of upright divisions, finished with a blank cornice; in the centre is a bow, or projection in the corbel style, in the front of which is a dial.  The doorway is formed of carved oak, representing tracery work and mullions, the upper part of the panelling being pierced and glazed.  Above this screen is the organ, in a carved oak case, the design of which is an assemblage of three towers, with pinnacles at the angles, and united by flying buttresses, the wood work ornamented with upright arched panels.

On each side of the church are seven arches, resting upon six octangular columns, to each of which four small pillars are attached, an additional one being placed upon the capitals of those which are situated towards the body of the church, and carried up towards the vaulting.  At each of the extreme ends of the arcade a semi column is attached to the walls, to complete the number necessary for sustaining the arches.  The main pillars and arches are ornamented with a simple ogee moulding.  The aisles are occupied by galleries that hide the lower divisions of the windows, which are only seen externally, no light being admitted below the galleries through the outer walls.  Between the clerestery windows and the arcades below is the metzonine story, fronted by four cinque-foil headed arches, and finished with a cornice of roses in enriched quatre foils, designed as in imitation of the ancient trifolium.

The centre division of the church is roofed with stone from east to west.  The style of vaulting is, however, full two centuries earlier than the building: the nave of Westminster Abbey seems to have been the prototype.  That part of the roof immediately above the altar is groined in a different manner, the surface of the cove being filled with long panels separated by arched ribs, springing from corbels, and crossing the church from side to side; the same is repeated above the organ; the corbels are all sculptured with figures of angels, which at the altar are represented in the act of prayer, and over the organ appear to be chanting the hymn of praise; though these portions are well executed, the conceit of varying the design is too novel to be admired.

From the groined roof depend three elegant brass chandeliers, suspended on gilt chains.

The font is situated in the centre aisle, near to the pulpit and reading desk; it is of an octangular form, and sustained on a pillar of the same shape.  The different sides are panelled, each containing a shield in an enriched quatrefoil, and the pillar is ornamented with upright panels.  It is executed in marble, and the carving appears to be highly deserving of praise.

Within the last few months there has been placed in the church a lectern, which corresponds with the general character of the edifice.

The entire edifice is highly creditable to the parish, and may be considered as a lasting monument to the memory of Mr. James Savage, the architect.

The crypt or vaults under the church are well worthy of inspection.  They are conveniently approached, on the north side, by a flight of steps, and are lofty, light, and thoroughly ventilated.  Here may be seen the foundation of the tower, which is an inverted dome, and all the columns of the nave are likewise built on and connected by inverted arches.  No doubt the construction of these numerous vaults added considerably to the aggregate cost of the edifice, and when interments were prohibited in the metropolitan parishes the anticipated return was at once stopped, still they strengthen the entire fabric, and ensure a freedom from damp, which is most desirable.  In several of these vaults are deposited the remains of some of the most respected parishioners.

The fees for burials in the vaults were as follow:—

None but leaden coffins, enclosed in wood, were allowed to be deposited in the vaults, nor of less thickness than 5 lb. to a foot superficial.

There are ten bells, which were cast at Mr. Mears’s Foundry, Whitechapel:—

The church was consecrated on the 18th of October, 1824, and as the foundation stone was laid on the 12th of October, 1820, the building of the edifice occupied about four years.

MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS IN THE CHURCH.

There are many neat and well-designed marble tablets placed on the walls in different parts of the church, and one monument in particular which will be specially noticed.  It would have afforded me great satisfaction to have transcribed all the tributes of affection there recorded, and also those in the Burial Ground, but the limited nature of this work would only admit of noticing a few of them.  By adopting this course it will enable me to refer to a variety of interesting subjects, which otherwise in all probability must have been omitted.

To the Memory of
Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable Henry Cadogan,
of his Majesty’s 71st Regiment,
who fell in the Battle of Vittoria, on June 1st, 1813,
in the 33rd year of his age.
The Officers of his Regiment have erected this Monument,
In token of their esteem and regret.

This beautiful production of the chisel of Chantrey, which is placed in the north gallery, represents two soldiers lamenting the death of their heroic commander, whose portrait is on a medallion surrounded with flags, with the Imperial eagle of France underneath; the letter “N.” is on the top of the pillar which supports the eagle.  On the pedestal which supports the sarcophagus is the word “Vittoria,” encircled with a laurelled crown; the sarcophagus is ornamented with a guilloche moulding.  Chastity of design and delicacy of execution are the special characteristics of this admirable specimen of art.  There is another monument to the memory of this gallant officer, erected at the public expense, in St. Paul’s Cathedral, and also a third in the Cathedral of Glasgow.

During the battle Colonel Cadogan had been detached to an important position; and when it was discovered that he had been mortally wounded, it was proposed to take him off the field.  “No,” said he, “my death is now certain, and very near; suffer me to conclude my life with the pleasure of seeing the continuation of our triumph; carry me to an height, from whence I can observe it.”  He was carried to one, when his back was placed against a tree, and there he expired, after expressing his gratitude to those around him.

In a vault near this spot lies the remains of the Right Hon. Charles Henry Cadogan, Earl Cadogan, Viscount Chelsea, in the county of Middlesex, Baron Cadogan, of Oakley, in the county of Buckingham.  Born 17th Nov. 1749, and died on the 23rd Dec. 1832.

Sophia Lucy Cadogan, wife of Lieut.-Col. Hon. Geo. Cadogan, Grenadier Guards.  Born March 5, 1812; died Jan. 26, 1852.

Sacred to the Memory of
Admiral the Right Honourable George Earl Cadogan,
Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath,
Knight of the Imperial Order of Maria Theresa, of Austria.
Born May 5, 1783: died Sept. 15, 1864.

There are inscriptions on marble tablets to the memory of the following respected parishioners, amongst some others:—

COST OF BUILDING THE CHURCH, &c.

There was a petition signed against the New Church Bill, in which it was acknowledged that there was a total inadequacy of church accommodation in the parish—the population of which the petitioners stated to be 20,000 souls—but they submitted that “it would be better to erect two chapels, capable of holding 1,500 persons each, one to be situated at each extremity of the parish, which might be done for one half the church would cost.”  Dr. Anthony Todd Thomson, of Sloane Street, who was one of the most able speakers in the parish, most powerfully advocated the erection of two chapels, but the opposition entirely failed.

RECTORS AT THE NEW ST. LUKE’S CHURCH.

In the account of the Old Church a list of the Rectors connected with that ancient edifice was given, we will now refer to those since the completion of the new Parish Church.

The Hon. and Rev. G. V. Wellesley, D.D., who had been for many years previously Rector, was a brother of the Duke of Wellington, “the great hero of many a hard-fought battle.”  Making a deduction for some slight difference in the corporeal appearance of them, there was a great resemblance of features, and in quickness of conception, correctness of judgment, and general determination of character, there was an astonishing similarity.  Dr. Wellesley was quick in forming his conclusions, and appeared at times to be somewhat hasty, but generally it would be found that his views were founded on truth and justice.  This remark applies more especially to the part he took as chairman of many of the “open vestry” parish meetings, at which there was frequently much contention.  It was admitted, however, by those who were at times opposed to his views that his conduct was impartial and conciliatory, and the natural result was that he gained the respect of all classes of the ratepayers, and thus allayed much of that asperity of feeling which is too often manifested by contending parties.

Some few particulars respecting the Rev. H. Blunt may here be very appropriately mentioned.  The following opinion of him, as a preacher, given by an avowed infidel, will convey a tolerably good idea of his impressive manner of delivery.  I will give it as nearly as possible in the individual’s own words.  “I went,” said he, “to your place yesterday, (meaning the church,) and if ever I go again anywhere it shall be to hear Mr. Blunt.  I went in and meant to come out shortly, but I had no sooner looked at him than his keen eyes seemed fixed on mine, and as he appeared so sincere in what he said, I remained till he had finished.  He certainly was most persuasive, and it spoilt my dinner.”  This was afterwards mentioned to Mr. Blunt, who smiled, and said, “I hope there were many others who went home to their dinners equally impressed.”

When Trinity Church, Sloane Street, was completed, the Rev. Mr. Blunt became the Incumbent (the parish at that time was not as at present divided into ecclesiastical divisions).  Here he was again greatly beloved by his large congregation, including both rich and poor.  Some years afterwards he accepted the Rectory of Streatham, Surrey, where he at length died, as much esteemed by the inhabitants there, as he had been previously at Chelsea.  Mr. Blunt was the chief founder of the first Benevolent Society established in this parish, in 1829, entitled the Chelsea Relief Association, and principally through his exertions no less a sum than £163 was collected within a very short period.  Hence arose other similar societies, whose benevolent objects are well deserving of support.  The Infant School, in Markham Street, might be considered as Mr. Blunt’s cherished offspring, and the National Schools at all times were regarded by him with feelings of deep regard.

The Rev. Mr. Lockwood, M.A., succeeded the Hon. and Rev. Dr. Wellesley, as rector, and manifested great interest in promoting the welfare of the parish, but after a comparatively short period he resigned.

The Rev. G. A. Blunt, M.A., (son of the late Rev. H. Blunt,) succeeded Mr. Kingsley, and is the present Rector.  He has evinced the greatest desire to promote the religious, moral, and intellectual advancement of the working classes, and takes a deep interest in promoting the Parochial National and Infant Schools, &c.  There is one charitable society, of such a humane and practical character, that it deserves to be specially noticed.  It is called “The Sick Kitchen.”  In a printed “Letter addressed to the Congregation and Parishioners of St. Luke’s, Chelsea,” 1869, Mr. Blunt states that it is “carried on in a building erected for the purpose in 1861, in the Rectory Garden.  Its object is to provide nutritious dinners for the poor who are recovering from sickness.  It is supported by voluntary contributions, the early Communion alms, and half the contents of the church boxes at St. Luke’s.  An average of thirty poor people are thus supplied daily for nine months in the year.  There is no charge made, the orders being given by the Curates and District Visitors, among the cases they visit.  The dinners consist of roast meat three times a week, soup, puddings, &c., on the alternate days; beef tea daily.”

The advowson anciently belonged, as already stated, to the Abbot and Convent of Westminster, till they exchanged it, 17th July, 28 Henry VIII., together with their manors of Neyte and Hyde, with the king, for the priory of Hurley.  It continued in the possession of the Crown till Queen Elizabeth, by letters patent, dated July 3rd, second year of her reign, demised to Ann, Duchess of Somerset, the advowson of the parish church and rectory for her life, the reversion to the Queen.  After the death of the duchess it was granted to the Earl of Nottingham and his Countess for three lives.  King Charles I. granted the advowson, with the manor, to James Duke of Hamilton, and in the next reign Charles Cheyne, Esq., purchased the manor, to which the rectory has ever since been annexed.

Among Dr. King’s original papers is the following account of the rectory: “The ancient parsonage-house, with 14 acres and 22 perches of land, stood west of the Duke of Beaufort’s, then the Marquis of Winchester’s.  In lieu of which, upon an exchange, the present house, and land about it, was given to the rectory for ever, by the consent of the Queen, the then patron, Dr. Edmund Grindall, Bishop of London, and Robt. Richardson, Rector of Chelsea, who conveyed the old house and land to the Marquis by writing, bearing date May 3, 1566.”

In 1650, it was reported to the Commissioners appointed by the Parliament, that the parsonage-house of Chelsea, with twenty acres of glebe, belonging to the same, were valued at £60 per annum, and the tithes worth £60 more.

The Rectory House, situated in Church Street, is very plain as regards its exterior appearance.  The grounds are enclosed by a wall, and there are carriage entrances to the house.  The interior is commodious, but scarcely adequate to the requirements of a large establishment in the present day.

THE BURIAL GROUND, OR CEMETERY.

In the south and north portions of the ground there are a great number of memorial stones, and a few brick vaults.  That portion, situated at the north-eastern division, near to Bond Street and Marlborough Square, the ground of which is raised above the general surface, may be considered almost as one huge grave, containing a mass of interments.  It was originally called “The Poor Ground,” on account of its being devoted exclusively for those who were buried at the expense of the parish.  It would display much good feeling and sympathy, if some simple but appropriate record was placed there.  It might be done by subscription, should there be no funds available for such a purpose.

“The best concerted schemes men lay for fame,
Die fast away; only themselves die faster.
The far-famed sculptor and the laurelled bard,
Those bold insurancers of deathless fame,
Supply their little feeble aids in vain.”

Blair’s Grave.

William Jones, Esq., aged 83, resided in Manor Street, Cheyne Walk.  He was a good Hebrew and Greek scholar, but it is in the character of a naturalist that he must be principally regarded, Mr. Jones having painted from nature about 1,500 species of butterflies in a most masterly manner, and not only painted but arranged and characterized them in Latin.

Matthew Yatman, Esq., of Lindsey Row, died in 1814; he was a most accomplished gentleman.

Signor Carlo Rovedino, an Italian, died in this parish Oct. 6, 1822, aged 71; he was well known on the continent and in this country as a bass singer.

Thomas Raven, a pupil in St. George’s Hospital, died in his sleep in 1826, aged 20.

Dr. John M‘Leod, the companion of Sir Murray Maxwell, and the author of a voyage in H.M. ship “Alceste,” to the Yellow Sea, and of her shipwreck in the Straits of Gaspar; he died in the King’s Road in 1820, aged 38.

Thomas Davey, Esq., of the King’s Road, died in 1833; he was a celebrated florist, and resided opposite Royal Avenue Terrace.  This gentleman served most of the old parochial offices, and his general good-natured disposition gained for him the respect of all parties in the parish.

William Tebbs, Esq. died in 1831, aged 59; he was beloved by a large circle of friends, and esteemed by all who knew him.

Most of the old and respected parishioners of Chelsea, who once occupied a prominent position in it, have passed away from the scenes of this world, to enjoy, it is hoped, that pure and unalloyed happiness which can only be realized in that kingdom where there is neither poverty, anxiety, sorrow, or pain.  Some of them no doubt are interred in this ground, but it would have displayed partiality to have noticed some and emitted others.

In concluding the account of St. Luke’s Church, and Burial Ground, I venture to insert, at the request of some subscribers to this work, the following lines:—

REMINISCENCES OF ST. LUKE’S CHURCH.

Whene’er I view that beauteous tower,
Built with artistic taste and power
   Upon yon sacred sod,
My heart awakes, with thankful strain,
For in old age I see again
   That temple of my God.

Once in that Church I bent the knee,
And join’d the holy minstrelsy
   That lifts the soul above:—
The powerful organ swell’d on high,
And many felt that God was nigh,
   Inspir’d by faith and love.

I’ve seen there a bride, in rich attire,
Receive the ring from her loving sire,
   And sign the marriage book:—
Then when they left the bells were rung,
And the porch fill’d with old and young,
   To see their happy look.

I’ve stood beside the baptismal font,
Where children oft to Christ were brought,
   And th’ cross mark’d o’er their brow:—
And it was a joyful after-sight
To see them, in emblematic white,
   Confirm their sponsor’s vow.

The first institution of Parish Registers in England commenced in 1501, 16th of Henry VIII., although the keeping of them was not strictly enjoined till the injunction of Lord Cromwell, 30th of Henry VIII., but he being considered as a favourer of innovations in religion, the good intent of them was much misrepresented, and his order rarely attended to by the clergy.  A second order of this kind was issued in the second year of Edward VI., 1547, though perhaps little complied with.  A third order is found in the statutes of the National Synod, by Cardinal Pole, about 1555, and the last and most successful in the 1st, 7th, and 39th years of Elizabeth.

The first Chelsea Parish Register Book is a small folio, vellum, a great part of which is beautifully written.  It commences with the year 1559, and appears to be accurately kept, except that it is imperfect during the Interregnum; and there are some omissions in the burials between 1564 and 1591, and between 1644 and 1652, the year in which it ends.  In the first leaf there is this memorandum: “A Booke begun in the House of God for Regestringe of all Christenings, Marages, and Burialls within the Parishe of Chelsey, provided for that purpose by J. Tomkins and Thomas Saunders, Church Wardens, the 19 daye of Feburarie 1559, and new in the time and yeare of Richard Warde, Parson of Chelsey, 11 March, 1599.”

The following are a few selected from the Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials:—

Baptisms.

The remaining baptismal entries, and some of those omitted, include the sons or daughters of the Earl of Nottingham, Lord Cranfield, Earl of Lincolne, Sir John Danvers, Sir G. Wentworth, Lord Commissioner Whitelocke, Charles Cheyne, Esq., Charles Stanley, Esq., Sir Henry Herbert, Earl of Lindsey, &c.

Marriages.

(It would occupy a volume to give even a selection of the Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials that have since taken place.)

The original books, previous to the year 1696, are all lost; and the parishioners are indebted to the industry of Lord Cheyne for the preservation of many of these historical fragments.  The following few extracts from the early dates, taken from amongst many others, are singular:—

As the population increased the records of the parish naturally became more voluminous, and for many years past the proceedings of the vestrymen, and also of the Board of Guardians, are kept in the most admirable manner.  This, it is true, is the effect of the improved state of society, the passing of the Metropolis Local Management Act, 1855, and the introduction of better Laws for the relief and maintenance of the poor.

These schools are situated at the east side of the Cemetery.  The pointed style was adopted on account of the contiguity of the building to the Parish Church.  It consists of a centre, with low wings.  The wings are occupied by the schools, and the centre as residences intended for the master and mistress; a large pointed arch connects the two divisions.  The first stone was laid on the 18th of June, 1824, by the Hon. and Rev. Dr. Wellesley, rector, with the customary formalities, at which there were present the late Rev. Henry Blunt, and several other clergymen, besides a vast number of the parishioners, including many ladies.  In 1826 the entire building was finished, and the children were admitted.

CHELSEA WORKHOUSE.

Before the year 1723 there were no workhouses in England.  It was the custom to relieve the able-bodied at their own dwelling places, and the aged and infirm were, in many cases, supported by the alms given at the church.  In 1727, it was “agreed that the churchwardens should be empowered to take, with all convenient speed, a proper house upon lease, in the name of the parish, for the use of the poor.”  In 1733 it was resolved, at a vestry, “That a committee be appointed to find out the most proper method to procure a workhouse for the poor, and an additional burial ground.”  The result was that Sir Hans Sloane gave the present ground for both purposes, and the first erection of the workhouse took place about 1737.